She was box office. She was advertising revenue, hits online, gossip column gold.
The more turbulent her private life, the more she was worth.
Sex scandal followed drug rehab, relationship turmoil ran concurrent to family fall-outs.
All of it was box office.
Imagine then what they will make of this. Conspiracy theories will abound.
The knife, the blood, the unborn child. A jealous lover? A political angle?
In death, she’ll continue to make someone a lot of money – more, even.
And I’ll get my moment in the spotlight too.
The high school sweetheart, the lifelong friend.
My turn to shine.
Written as part of the Friday Fictioneers challenge hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields (more details HERE). The idea is to write a short story of 100 words based on the photo prompt (above).
To read stories of 100 words based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.
My novel, ‘A Justified State,’ is available now
Iain Kelly 
81 responses to “BOX OFFICE”
“The more turbulent her private life, the more she was worth”. Now whch future Prime Minister does that make me think of?
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I can’t imagine…
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Fame isn’t all its cracked up to be.
Well written.
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It has its drawbacks for sure.
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Shadows of several tragically-ended lives here. I don’t like the high school boyfriend. He should be mourning, not on the make. Great story, Iain.
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I think he is over her…
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Anything for that moment in the spotlight! Very poignant, Iain.
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You gotta do what ya gotta do…
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Interesting. True story in the world of movies.
These are the perks of being a famous person’s friend 🙂 But, when one is young, how does one know which of the friends will be famous?! makes sense to be a friend with all! 🙂
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That’s true, you never know!
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An excellent story of corruption and greed, humanity’s bent towards power.
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Power corrupts absolutely. Thanks Brenda
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Excellent tale, just imagine the made for TV movies and specials it’ll spawn.
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Oh yeah, just one of the many ways he’ll be cashing in 🙂
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For some reason, people adore scandals, don’t they?
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They really do. Thanks Colline
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They all come out of the woodwork don’t they? Good story Iain.
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Thanks Di
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Time to cash in! Nice one Iain.
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Might as well while the going’s good.
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Dear Iain,
Sounds about right in the world of the tabloids. Scandal is big business. Something tells me there’s mischief afoot with her “friend.” Nicely captured.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh yes, I think he may have seen an opportunity… 😉
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The first girl I ever dated turned out to be a moderately-big movie and TV star, so I can relate to this one.
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Ever tempted to sell your story? 😉
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Don’t you hate all these ‘old friends’ that show up when money is to be made off of dead (and live) celebrities? Great story, Iain.
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Thanks, there does always seem to be that group every time a celebrity is in trouble or dies.
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What does that tell us what our society has become? A sad state of affairs.
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Yep, it’s the world we live in.
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A sad but true tale in the world of celebrity gossip. Well done!
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Thank you so much.
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What an opportunist. Poor woman.
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Afraid so
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Sinister! It’s not easy being outshone all the time.
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Especially if one feels left behind.
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Sad, but true in a lot of cases. Nice job.
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Thanks Shirley
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I suspect that the childhood sweetheart is being naïve. He’s bound to have left forensic evidence. That’s an excellent piece of flash, Iain, with so much implied that is not in the text.
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Thanks Penny, I think the rumours will catch up with them one day.
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Is the narrator father, murderer, or both?
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I was thinking an old boyfriend, but father is an interesting angle I like!
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A sad reflection on today, I’m afraid. Everyone has an angle, and if they don’t, then they’ll create one. Nicely done.
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Thanks Sandra, I agree – everyone does indeed have an angle, I find it difficult to take anyone at face value.
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[…] From Ian Kelly, Box Office. […]
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Sounds like the “friend” is justifying it. After all, she’ll be even more famous now…
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Isn’t that what everyone wants, to be immortal?
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Isn’t bad publicity better than none at all?
I often think of the millions people rake in on dead stars such as Marilyn Monroe, Elvis, etc.
As to this story, I guess you could say the narrator made a “killing.”
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In many ways, they certainly did.
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The last lines make it a real story, with someone you either want to know or want to watch. Thought-provoking.
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Thank you so much Eugenia 🙂
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what a loser. it’s time for him to shine at her expense.
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He will have his fifteen minutes
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I love it. Mystery and reality, layered so well.
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Thank you so much
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Messier the life, stronger is the Box Office. Ironic, isn’t it?
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And a bit sad. Thanks.
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Another tragic celebrity story. Good use of the prompt, Iain. Well written. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thank you Suzanne
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It’s sad how some people see wealth in others’ misfortune, especially a high school sweetheart.
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Thank you Bernadette
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Oh, how we revel in the misery of others. How did we devolve to the point where money is more important than life? Or where some people are more valuable dead than alive?
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It’s not a ringing endorsement of our society, is it?
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Not so much.
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Oh my, a lot more to that story – and I’d love to hear it! Well done…
https://dbmcnicol.com/friday-fictioneers-freshly-boxed/
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Thank you DB
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If there is a Tao of Celebrity, this is it. Good and accurate story.
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Thank you
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You are welcome.
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I read this twice, and decided it was a case of jealous revenge.
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I think you’re on the right lines. Thanks James.
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That high school sweetheart sounds sinister. He’s in it for the money!
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Definitely! Thanks for reading 🙂
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Loved this!
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Thank you Neel
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I get the feeling the high school boyfriend played a role in her death.
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Oh yeah, I’m pretty sure he’s guilty!
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Such a unique character choice! Brilliant! 😀
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Thank you
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Nice one. They really crawl out of the woodwork for their few minutes of fame.
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They come from everywhere!
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Ooooo gripping. I now want to see the jaded cop who comes after him!
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There is always a jaded cop in these stories 😉
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